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Washtenaw Health Project reports significant drop in marketplace enrollment as premium costs surge

submitted by Jeremy Lapedis, Executive Director, Washtenaw Health Project

The Washtenaw Health Project (WHP) reports a sharp decline in health insurance enrollment during the 2026 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period, reflecting growing affordability challenges for local families.

WHP assisted 551 individuals in enrolling in Marketplace coverage for 2026—down from 804 enrollees the previous year, a 31.5% decrease.

While enrollments dropped significantly, the need for help did not. WHP recorded 1,735 client encounters during Open Enrollment, only slightly lower than last year.

“This year, we spent just as much time helping people understand their options,” said Jeremy Lapedis, Executive Director. “Many families kept waiting for Congress to lower healthcare costs, but when that didn’t happen, they had to walk away because they simply could not afford coverage.”

The decline follows the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits at the end of 2025, which had helped reduce insurance costs for millions. New eligibility restrictions included in H.R. 1—known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—also bar permanent residents and work-authorized individuals earning under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level ($15,650 annually for an individual) from subsidies.

Estimates are that ACA health insurance premiums more than doubled across the country for 2026. This mirrors what WHP staff saw, with some seeing premiums increase even more than that.

After a modest increase in income, one couple who paid $0 per month for coverage in 2025 was quoted $1,409 per month for 2026—more than $16,000 annually—along with a $21,200 deductible. Their total potential yearly exposure now exceeds $38,000.

“These are working families who did everything right,” said Lapedis. “But healthcare coverage that costs more than their monthly rent isn’t realistic.”

Statewide, Marketplace enrollment in Michigan fell from 531,083 in 2025 to 497,064 in 2026, a decrease of approximately 6.4%, according to federal data.

Nationally, enrollment declined by about 5%, with new enrollment dropping 14%. Early reports suggest higher cancellation and non-payment rates may further reduce coverage numbers in the coming months as premiums come due.

WHP sharper local decline reflects the disproportionate impact of subsidy changes on lower-income populations and immigrant communities in Washtenaw County.

Although fewer residents ultimately enrolled, many sought guidance in evaluating options, understanding eligibility changes, and weighing difficult financial decisions.

“We are seeing people forced to choose between health insurance—accessing medical care and their prescriptions, essentially—and other basic necessities,” said Lapedis. “The need for trusted, community-based enrollment support remains critical.”

WHP continues to provide free, unbiased enrollment assistance to approximately 8,000 residents of Washtenaw County year-round.

For help with health coverage options, visit WashtenawHealthProject.org or call 734-544-3030.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.